BOSSIER CITY, La. – Nearly $26 million in federal transportation funding has been awarded for two projects in Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District, including a $25 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant for the Bossier Parish East-West Corridor Project, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced during a news conference in Bossier City.
The U.S. Department of Transportation also awarded $640,000 to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for the Interstate 10/Interstate 12 Corridor Truck Parking Study. The study will evaluate truck parking needs, identify opportunities to expand capacity at public locations and develop an implementation plan.
Johnson said the federal investment will improve transportation infrastructure, safety and economic growth across the region.
“The Department of Transportation’s announcement of nearly $26 million in federal infrastructure funding in Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District is welcome news,” Johnson said. “These grants are not only a blessing for residents of the Fourth District and for Louisiana, but also for the many individuals who traverse our roads daily.”
The Bossier Parish East-West Corridor Project will construct a new roadway extending Winfield Road beyond its current terminus at Bellevue Road to connect with Highway 3, also known as Benton Road. Local officials said the new corridor is expected to improve traffic flow, provide an additional east-west route through the parish and support continued residential, commercial and military growth, particularly around Barksdale Air Force Base.
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Glenn Ledet Jr. said securing a BUILD grant represents a significant achievement for both Bossier Parish and the state.
“Being awarded a federal BUILD grant is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the strength of the vision among local, state, and federal leaders for improving transportation in our state,” Ledet said. “These grants are among the most competitive infrastructure funding opportunities in the nation, and Bossier Parish receiving one for their East-West Corridor reflects the merit of the chosen project, and the dedication of everyone who worked to bring that project forward.”
Bossier Parish Police Jury President Tom Salzer said the $25 million award will strengthen the parish’s transportation network, improve safety, support Barksdale Air Force Base and encourage continued economic growth.
Salzer noted the grant was awarded through the Department of Transportation’s $1.73 billion nationwide BUILD grant program, making Bossier Parish’s selection particularly significant. He also credited local, state and federal officials, including Johnson and Gov. Jeff Landry, for helping secure the funding.
During the news conference, Johnson said infrastructure investments are essential to supporting Louisiana’s continued growth and accommodating increasing demand across the region.
“The more we can help with infrastructure, the better off it is, because we’ve gotta accommodate all the growth that’s in this region, and we’re excited about the future,” Johnson said.
Johnson added that Louisiana’s highways, ports and waterways make transportation investments important not only for the state but for the nation’s economy.
The Department of Transportation’s latest funding announcement includes more than $50 million for transportation projects across Louisiana. In addition to the Bossier Parish grant, the Central Louisiana Regional Port received $722,400 to continue studying transportation needs related to Fort Polk and surrounding communities.
Stacey Tinsley of the Bossier Press-Tribune contributed to this report.